With the wall between the kitchen and living room removed, the hood surround with it's subtle curves becomes a commanding focal point. Two islands, one for work and one for socializing, help define the space. The new oak floors throughout the first floor add a casual and inviting feel.

Modern Fun House, Danville, CA

Lauren Evans Interiors, LLC

Design ideas for a transitional u-shaped kitchen in San Francisco with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, light wood cabinets, white splashback, stone slab splashback, black appliances, light hardwood floors, with island, beige floor, white benchtop and exposed beam.

Projet Batignolles : Epuré et modernité en camaïeu de vert et bleu

Atelier Germain

La cuisine, qui était en parfait état, avait besoin d’être finalisée. Nous l’avons pimpée grâce à une crédence (Orac décor), une étagère permettant d’apportant rangements et objets de décoration et la mise en couleur de la partie haute, qui sera ensuite le fil conducteur de l’appartement.

OSONNIA APARTMENT

MAKHNO Studio

Photo of a contemporary galley open plan kitchen in Hamburg with a drop-in sink, flat-panel cabinets, light wood cabinets, grey splashback, stone slab splashback, black appliances, medium hardwood floors, with island, brown floor and grey benchtop.

Stonebridge Stunner

Design Studio West

Step into a kitchen that exudes both modern sophistication and inviting warmth. The space is anchored by a stunning natural quartzite countertop, its veined patterns reminiscent of a sun-drenched landscape. The countertop stretches across the kitchen, gracing both the perimeter cabinetry and the curved island, its gentle curves adding a touch of dynamism to the layout. White oak cabinetry provides a grounding contrast to the cool quartzite. The rich, natural grain of the wood, paired with a crisp white paint, create a sense of airiness and visual lightness. This interplay of textures and tones adds depth and dimension to the space. Breaking away from the traditional rectilinear lines, the island features curved panels that echo the countertop's gentle sweep. This unexpected detail adds a touch of whimsy and softens the overall aesthetic. The warm vinyl flooring complements the wood cabinetry, creating a sense of continuity underfoot.

Carson

Daniela Fulford Photography

Inspiration for a modern l-shaped kitchen in Melbourne with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, light wood cabinets, black appliances, light hardwood floors, with island, beige floor and grey benchtop.

Pantry with Open Shelving & Panelled Refrigerator

Chervin Kitchen & Bath Inc.

In the back kitchen area, there's a practical pantry with a coffee station, a built-in microwave drawer, and open shelving with integrated lighting. A stylish panelled refrigerator stands next to a handy shallow pantry for easy access to everyday food essentials.

Appartement Boyer

Ludily

Au cœur de la place du Pin à Nice, cet appartement autrefois sombre et délabré a été métamorphosé pour faire entrer la lumière naturelle. Nous avons souhaité créer une architecture à la fois épurée, intimiste et chaleureuse. Face à son état de décrépitude, une rénovation en profondeur s’imposait, englobant la refonte complète du plancher et des travaux de réfection structurale de grande envergure. L’une des transformations fortes a été la dépose de la cloison qui séparait autrefois le salon de l’ancienne chambre, afin de créer un double séjour. D’un côté une cuisine en bois au design minimaliste s’associe harmonieusement à une banquette cintrée, qui elle, vient englober une partie de la table à manger, en référence à la restauration. De l’autre côté, l’espace salon a été peint dans un blanc chaud, créant une atmosphère pure et une simplicité dépouillée. L’ensemble de ce double séjour est orné de corniches et une cimaise partiellement cintrée encadre un miroir, faisant de cet espace le cœur de l’appartement. L’entrée, cloisonnée par de la menuiserie, se détache visuellement du double séjour. Dans l’ancien cellier, une salle de douche a été conçue, avec des matériaux naturels et intemporels. Dans les deux chambres, l’ambiance est apaisante avec ses lignes droites, la menuiserie en chêne et les rideaux sortants du plafond agrandissent visuellement l’espace, renforçant la sensation d’ouverture et le côté épuré.

Kitchens

Arbor Mills

Inspiration for a transitional u-shaped eat-in kitchen in Chicago with an undermount sink, recessed-panel cabinets, light wood cabinets, marble benchtops, multi-coloured splashback, marble splashback, panelled appliances, medium hardwood floors, with island, brown floor and multi-coloured benchtop.

Dahlia St

Factor Design Build

Photo of a transitional l-shaped kitchen in Denver with flat-panel cabinets, light wood cabinets, stainless steel appliances, light hardwood floors, with island, beige floor and white benchtop.

Symbiose de deux chambres sous les toits, 41m2 à Paris.

Ameo Concept

Faire l’acquisition de surfaces sous les toits nécessite parfois une faculté de projection importante, ce qui fut le cas pour nos clients du projet Timbaud. Initialement configuré en deux « chambres de bonnes », la réunion de ces deux dernières et l’ouverture des volumes a permis de transformer l’ensemble en un appartement deux pièces très fonctionnel et lumineux. Avec presque 41m2 au sol (29m2 carrez), les rangements ont été maximisés dans tous les espaces avec notamment un grand dressing dans la chambre, la cuisine ouverte sur le salon séjour, et la salle d’eau séparée des sanitaires, le tout baigné de lumière naturelle avec une vue dégagée sur les toits de Paris. Tout en prenant en considération les problématiques liées au diagnostic énergétique initialement très faible, cette rénovation allie esthétisme, optimisation et performances actuelles dans un soucis du détail pour cet appartement destiné à la location.

Kitchen

Beth Howley Creative LLC

Modern farmhouse kitchen featuring two kitchen islands, wet bar, hickory cabinets, cream cabinets, marble quartz countertops, custom plaster range hood, white and gold pendant lighting, hardwood flooring, and shiplap ceiling.

Big Fir Vineyard

Prentiss Balance Wickline Architects

The custom beech cabinetry and Milestone inset contrast nicely with the dark soapstone counters and backsplash. Photography: Andrew Pogue Photography.

Saguaro Grove

AFT Construction

This is an example of a large transitional galley open plan kitchen in Phoenix with an undermount sink, beaded inset cabinets, light wood cabinets, quartz benchtops, white splashback, stone slab splashback, stainless steel appliances, light hardwood floors, multiple islands, beige floor, white benchtop and wood.

Full Kitchen & Fireplace Remodel in Redondo Beach

MDRN Remodeling Company

It all started with a design session with our clients. Clients had a vision of blue and white cabinet combination. We got a few designs in an couldn't quite hit the nail. It was once we introduced the white oak that it all came together. Clients then introduced the concept of a talavera tile backsplash and once we put our hands on the right tile, everything came together in perfect harmony. Here we have a white oak and blue shaker custom kitchen made by your very own MDRN Remodeling Company. Any custom Kitchen needs, please reach out and set up a design appointment. Our design skills match our production abilities. Always delivered on schedule and on budget.

Woodsome Road

West & Reid Ltd

This is an example of a mid-sized contemporary l-shaped eat-in kitchen in London with a drop-in sink, flat-panel cabinets, light wood cabinets, solid surface benchtops, white splashback, engineered quartz splashback, panelled appliances, light hardwood floors, with island, beige floor and white benchtop.

Giddy Up!

Kimball Modern Design + Interiors

Photo of a contemporary l-shaped open plan kitchen in Denver with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, light wood cabinets, quartz benchtops, grey splashback, stainless steel appliances, light hardwood floors, with island and white benchtop.

DOCKSIDE SEATTLE

Acadia Craft

This is an example of a mid-sized contemporary l-shaped kitchen in Seattle with flat-panel cabinets and light wood cabinets.

Silver Spurs

Enfort Homes

Farmhouse meets coastal in this timeless kitchen with white oak cabinets, brass hardware, two dishwashers + double faucets, multiple pull out trash cans, custom white oak range hood, paneled wolf appliances, and tons of storage.

Kitchen Remodel - Bellevue, Washington

Ellen Weiss Design

Full kitchen remodel in Bellevue, Washington.
Inspiration for a mid-sized contemporary eat-in kitchen in Seattle with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, light wood cabinets, quartz benchtops, white splashback, ceramic splashback, stainless steel appliances, with island and white benchtop.

Kitchen with Distressed Cabinets and Light Wood Cabinets Design Ideas

There’s a lot to consider when it comes to planning your kitchen design. Where do you even start? Gathering some inspiration in a photo gallery is always a good starting point, as looking at different kitchen designs often brings up ideas you haven’t even thought of yet.

Browse Photos of Kitchen Designs for Inspiration and Collect Your Ideas

You can browse through photos of all kinds of kitchen styles, layouts and sizes on Houzz to get started before jumping into any design software or contacting a local professional for help. Here’s a few considerations to keep in mind when planning your kitchen.

1. What Makes a Good Kitchen Design, and Why is it Important?

For starters, you want to find a balance between aesthetics and function. You may have heard of the ‘kitchen work triangle’, which refers to the space between your fridge, sink and stove. You want everything within easy reach when you’re working in the kitchen and look beautiful at the same time. It’s a good idea to take note of both when browsing our photo gallery.

2. Consider Your Space to Determine Your Kitchen Layout

Firstly, consider the space you have, and the limitations that come with it. Do you have a small kitchen and need to maximise your workspace and storage? Can you allow yourself some more space and a big island with seating? Are you designing your kitchen from scratch or renovating an existing design? Which appliances do you already own and what are their measurements? Are there windows you need to take into consideration when planning cabinets? How do kitchen, living and dining areas connect? Depending on your space and needs, you want to use a shape that suits you. U, G, or L-shaped kitchen, with or without island or peninsula? Know your dimensions, plan cabinetry carefully and consider the placement of your appliances. You don’t want to end up with a finished design, only for your significant other to question where the fridge is supposed to go. Consider from the start where your fridge, oven, microwave and sink goes to save yourself from starting again from scratch - remember the kitchen work triangle! You also want to plan the layout of your cabinets. Maybe you’re planning for a pantry and can do with less storage space in your kitchen, so that your design can be one without upper or lower cabinets for a different look. A corner cabinet can be a smart storage solution if you want to keep the look clean and simple.

3. Decide on a Kitchen Style, But Don’t Forget Practicality

You want the style of your kitchen to reflect your personality and taste. We have curated a large array of kitchen styles here at Houzz, from traditional to contemporary to transitional and everything in between. Consider what your cooking style is for a start - Italy is known for its cuisine, so italian kitchen designs are generally popular. Also consider ergonomics - depending on how much time you spend in your kitchen, the height of your counters can make a big difference to your overall health. You also want to consider colour and finishes of cabinets, countertops and splashbacks. Which colour do you want your cupboards to be? Simple, timeless white or rather making a statement in black? Maybe rather a rustic wood? Also consider the colour of your floor - if you have dark floors, you may want to keep cabinets lighter. You could also go for an all-white look and choose black appliances for contrast. Once you know which style you fancy, don’t forget how you will be using the space. You want to keep cooking in mind, as well as how easy to clean and maintain the space will be. How many cooks do you need to accommodate? Do you have kids around? How much storage do you need? Maybe you want to go for open shelves rather than cabinets and allow for easy reach of key items you use when cooking. Again - remember the triangle! Lastly, choose lighting that both enhances the look of your kitchen as well as your cooking performance, providing light in all the right places.

4. Be Conscious of Your Budget

No matter what you plan for your kitchen design, cost is always a big factor. Be sure to plan with your budget in mind. It may make more sense to go for a modular kitchen design rather than custom build. You can save a lot of money if you get at least 3 estimates from professionals before locking in the job. And don’t forget to allow a 20% buffer for emergencies. Once you are ready to hire a pro, our directory will help you find one, no matter where you are. So whether you're looking for an Interior Designer in Melbourne or an Architect in Sydney, you can be sure to find a qualified expert for the job!